Khulna city Awami League President Talukder Abdul Khaleque MP has alleged that the government was trying to foil the 14-party alliance's February 5 'long march' towards Dhaka from Khulna.

Khaleque warned of tougher agitation if the government does not stop alleged 'repressive measures' to foil the opposition programme.

Addressing a press conference at Khulna Press Club yesterday, Khaleque said Jubo League president of Amadi union in Koira upazila; Nirmol Chandra Mandol, general secretary of Bhandarkot union Awami League and party activist Abu Kalam Azad of Batiaghata in the district are among many opposition leaders and activities arrested by police Tuesday night without any charge.

He demanded release of all the arrested party leaders and activists before the long march starts.

The city AL president informed that the 'long march' from the Khulna will start at 10 am today from Mongla under the leadership of former Home Minister Mohammod Nasim MP. “We are fully prepared to make our programme a grand success despite repressive measures”, he said.